Pakistani embassies in Gulf asked to stay ready to assist citizens amid regional tensions

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday directed that the Pakistani embassies in Gulf countries must remain readily available at all times to assist Pakistani citizens amid the prevailing situation in the region, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Chairing a meeting regarding the evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran and issues related to Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries, the prime minister expressed gratitude to the brotherly country of Azerbaijan for assisting in the evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran.

During the meeting the participants were briefed on the current situation regarding the evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran.

“By the grace of Allah, Pakistani citizens are safely returning home from Iran, and the Pakistani embassy in Azerbaijan is fully active in facilitating the process,” the prime minister was told.

The meeting was also informed that, on the prime minister’s instructions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was continuously monitoring the entire situation. A briefing was also given on the measures taken by Pakistani embassies to facilitate Pakistani citizens residing in Gulf countries.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the government has taken proactive measures to facilitate the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran and to support Pakistan's citizens who are stranded at various locations abroad.

"The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is operating round the clock to monitor developments and extend the necessary assistance to Pakistani nationals," said the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson.

On the instructions of the prime minister, Special Facilitation Desks have been established at Pakistan's missions abroad to assist stranded Pakistani nationals with visa facilitation, logistics, and travel arrangements, he added.

Andrabi noted that missions had also launched dedicated applications, registration portals, and helplines to enable timely outreach and assistance, adding these missions are in close coordination with host governments to ensure the necessary consular facilitation for the Pakistani diaspora.

The government of Pakistan remains fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and ensuring their safe and timely return, he added.